Eldar Gasymov talks about movie he will star in, "saboteurs" and new projects

Eldar, as far as we know, you are going to star in "Don’t be afraid, I am with you" film. Who offered you a role in that movie?

After the triumph at "Eurovision-2011", we returned to Baku right away. After two days, I believe, some guys called me and said that they are going to shoot the second version of famous movie "Don't be afraid, I am with you". To be honest, I couldn't even imagine that I would be offered a part in a feature film. But one beautiful night when it was only a couple of days of our return, we got an offer to meet renowned Yuli Solomonovich Gusman, director of the movie, and it all started since then.

And you agreed immediately?

Of course, yes. I didn't even think on it, because the dream to be a theatre or film actor always paced along with the dream to build a music carrier. I have a great love towards art since childhood, doesn't matter if it's is singing or acting. The world of art still remains a mystery for me. The deeper I go, the more interesting it is.

I always wanted to play some kind of interesting roles at a theatre and try movie as well. And this is my chance. I will try to justify the hopes of my fans as ultimately I do it all to please them. It seems I already do progress in music while movie, I haven’t tried it out yet. Don't want to lose this chance, you know. During shootings, I can get more experience from people who dedicated their whole lives to this job and amaze me with their creativity, love to art and professionalism. It's a great honour to me and, of course, a big responsibility.
 
How is your relationship with director Gusman going on?

Excellent, Yuli Solomonovich is a professional, great director and a good person as well. In his wild work schedule, he finds time for everyone, tries to keep in touch with people even if it lasts for a minute. I like him very much, because he is positive - the biggest and strongest pusher towards success. If a team is positive, every success can be reached without difficulty and fear, especially when this rendered by chief director. To work with Yuli Solomonovich is really a great experience.

Did you manage to meet with other actors on set?
 
Unfortunately, not with all of them. I got acquainted mainly with the camera crew and administration. They are all irreplaceable, good and extremely kind guys. I could only recently meet with some of the actors. It's always pleasant to converse and work with such people.

Who did you like most?

You know, the team is formed based on "all for one, one for all," principle. This reminds me preparations to the "Eurovision". I hope very much that this movie will reach the same stunning success. We have already become so close that we phone each other any time we want and talk to as the closest friends. But here I like the fact that the work and friendship never mix up. Everything has its own place.
 
Tell us how the trainings and shooting going on?

Cool and funny. The shooting runs in a pictorial region of Azerbaijan with amazing nature. I stick on a strict schedule during preparations: do sports, go to the gym and even have to gain some weight to build muscles. During the shootings, I had an opportunity to touch horses. As my character is a skillful horseman, I should learn their habits, customs and how they live. So I read much about horses to closely familiarize with them. You know, they are very sensitive and kind animals. Sometimes you talk to them and it seems that they understand you and feel something but can't utter.
 
I also read much about the old times, year 1919, learn about the rights of people in that period, and watch movies showing the lifestyle of that time. Playing the character is very difficult but interesting as well. Each time I find something new that doesn't suit me but absolutely suits the character I play. I am in a foretaste. I think I will be able to manage it.

Tell us more about the character you play?

It's a very interesting character- a twenty-year- old young boy, impulsive and romantic, educated and intelligent, a lyrical hero. He encompasses many qualities. This variety of the character makes him more interesting and attractive to me day by day. This is a boy, who loves madly and doesn’t conceal his feeling, seeks to win the heart of his beloved girl. At the same time, he is a courageous and brave young man who is ready to stand up for this people and his motherland. I think, whoever watches this movie will find his son, neighbour or just a familiar person in this character. Such people even exist nowadays, they are around us.

Do you often face criticism?
 
Criticizing is easy, yet there are always different opinions on a particular subject. One thing is when you are justifiably reproached in this or that action, and another thing is just a "stupid criticism" – groundless comments of "saboteurs". Before, I read unpleasant things about me and immediately became ill at ease but gradually gained immunity towards "saboteurs" (smiling). One beautiful moment I understood that this is not important, let people write whatever dirty and unpleasant things they want. I won't care. Ultimately, good will triumph over evil (smiling). I know my job. Even if it's going to be only one person that liked what I do, this would not stop me and I will not give up.
 
You mean no criticism hurts you?
 
Not at all. Criticism is not just negative judgement against me, my carrier or my privacy but also an analysis of mistakes with the help of people around.  It doesn't harm but helps. Before I negatively reacted to any kind of criticism but when you begin to debate with a person who points your mistakes with fingers, then the truth comes out. This is great. However some people just write nonsense without realizing that it can hurt me and my close people. To be honest, I justify them as well; maybe they have their own reasons to do so.

What attracted you in this particular movie script?
 
The movie itself is a beautiful tale with kind characters, scenario with love and conflicts, complicated situations in the government but at the end, as always, good becomes a victor. My mood always goes up while reading the script. In a nutshell, beautiful scenario. I myself associate this scenario with a flower which passes through a rainy autumn, severe winter and at last reaches the long-awaited spring and opens the bud.

Aren't you afraid of finding yourself in a dilemma after trying movie following musical achievements?
 
Just the opposite, I progress in creative sphere, gain priceless experience. Besides, I love all of this. I am a singer but want to try acting very much as well. And then the judgement is up to you whether I made it or not.
 
Now tell us when we are going hear your new songs? Your fans are waiting...

Very soon, I hope. We are preparing many surprises to our fans and friends. So, we have loads of work for now. I just ask my fans to wait a little and believe me, everything will come true.
 
Do you plan any other new project for the coming days?
 
Right now I am fully concentrated in this beautiful movie. Only this way I can succeed in it. But generally speaking, for future we plan to release new albums, songs, musical videos and so on. I also plan to continue my education. In the coming academic year, I will study the second course of master degree at Baku Slavic University, don’t forget this either.


/Echo/